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Easy Hamburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Busy Nights

Easy Hamburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Busy Nights
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This Easy Hamburger Soup is a hearty, one-pot comfort meal loaded with ground beef, vegetables, and potatoes in a flavorful tomato-based broth. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s cozy, nourishing, and easy to customize—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or chilly days when you want something warm and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (about 90% lean)

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced

  • 2 celery ribs, diced

  • 1 bell pepper, diced (use jalapeño for a spicy version)

  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes or cayenne (optional)

  • 3 medium red or Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1 lb), peeled and diced

  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, with juices (fire-roasted recommended)

  • 3–4 cups beef broth (start with 3 cups, add more as needed)

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (optional: corn, green beans, peas)

For Serving (Optional):
Chili flakes, fresh chopped parsley, hot sauce

Instructions

  • Brown the Beef & Veggies
    Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the beef, until lightly browned and vegetables begin to soften.

  • Build Flavor
    Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, to bloom the spices.

  • Simmer the Soup
    Add potatoes, diced tomatoes with juices, 3 cups beef broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are tender.

  • Add Final Veggies
    Stir in frozen mixed vegetables and simmer for another 5–10 minutes, just until heated through. Add more broth if you prefer a thinner soup.

  • Serve
    Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with parsley, chili flakes, and hot sauce if desired.

Notes

  • Make it spicy: Use jalapeño instead of bell pepper or add extra cayenne.

  • Thicker soup: Mash a few potatoes directly in the pot.

  • Extra protein: Add kidney beans or white beans.

  • Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

  • Slow cooker option: Brown beef first, then add everything (except frozen veggies) and cook on low for 6–7 hours.

Find it online: https://chocotune.com/easy-hamburger-soup-the-ultimate-comfort-food-for-busy-nights/